Activision marketing chief admits that Black Ops 7 was not a success

windowscentral.com Oct 16, 2026

Activision marketing chief admits that Black Ops 7 was not a success

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 16, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Activision’s marketing chief publicly acknowledged that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 failed to meet expectations, citing lower-than-anticipated sales and a lukewarm reception from players. The statement, released during a press briefing, highlighted the game’s short lifespan and the company’s decision to shift focus toward newer titles. Activision also announced a revised marketing strategy aimed at revitalizing the franchise’s brand equity and re-engaging its core audience. The admission marks a rare public admission of underperformance from a major publisher.

💡 Why It Matters

· The candid admission signals a shift in how major studios address underwhelming releases, potentially reshaping future product launches and investor expectations.

Capsules Gaming

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Pro Dota 2 Player Claims He Had to Play a Full Match…

Pro Dota 2 hard‑carry Nuengnara “23savage” Teeramahanon said police raided Xipto eSports’ Kuala Lumpur boot camp, handcuffed the squad and seized personal items. Officers questioned the players’ presence in the city and demanded proof of their professional status. After an officer checked 23savage’s Instagram, which featured a photo with Malaysian influencer Ms. Puiyi, the team was released on the condition that 23savage demonstrate his skill. He then started a live match, playing Kez and recording 32 kills, which the police accepted as verification before freeing the group. The player also claimed the officers stole two jars of Nutella. The incident sparked online skepticism, but Xipto continues its SEA dominance, recently winning the EPL SEA tournament and pursuing a DreamLeague Season 30 slot.

💡 The incident highlights how esports participants can become entangled in legal misunderstandings, exposing a need for clearer recognition of professional gaming identities by authorities.

playstationlifestyle.net · Oct 16

PS5 Horror Game Gets Exclusive Feature With a Unique DualSense Use &…

Silverpine Creek, a PS5 horror title released earlier this year, received a free update that adds a DualSense‑specific mechanic. The update forces players to interact solely through the controller’s built‑in microphone, requiring silence to avoid alerting the game’s antagonist, the witch Korana. Without weapons, players must solve puzzles, collect ritual items, and use camera flashes strategically while navigating a cursed village. The feature leverages binaural audio, similar to that used in Hellblade, to heighten immersion and make every footstep audible to the witch. Developed by Phantom Toast, the game is also launching on PC and other consoles, and currently sells for $9.99 on the PlayStation Store, holding a 4.21‑star rating from 34 user reviews and continues to attract horror enthusiasts.

💡 By turning the DualSense mic into a core gameplay element, the update demonstrates how hardware can redefine horror interaction, setting a new benchmark for immersive design on next‑gen consoles.

gamesradar.com · Oct 16

Castlevania Belmont’s Curse once had a Dark Souls “vibe,” but it was…

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, released to critical acclaim, underwent extensive design iterations before settling on a fast‑paced, action‑heavy style distinct from its earlier, slower Dark Souls‑inspired prototypes. Evil Empire’s Ben Laulan explained that the initial versions felt too intense and sluggish for the series, prompting a shift toward quicker traversal and combat. The final product blends rapid movement with classic Castlevania puzzles and storytelling, earning a 4/5 rating for its gothic atmosphere and challenging gameplay.

💡 The game’s evolution showcases how genre‑blending can either alienate or rejuvenate a franchise, demonstrating that careful balance is essential for preserving legacy while innovating.

gamesradar.com · Oct 16

Ex-Valve dev not impressed by Epic’s updated Steam rival or Tim Sweeney’s…

Epic Games announced a new launcher overhaul, touting generative AI as the driver behind a faster, more responsive interface. Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek criticized the announcement, calling it a “vibe coded” effort that prioritizes speed over features and perceived it as a subtle jab at Valve’s Gabe Newell. Faliszek questioned Epic’s strategic direction, noting the lack of community focus and comparing it unfavorably to Steam’s ecosystem. The debate highlights tensions over AI adoption and platform competition.

💡 The clash underscores how AI rhetoric can eclipse user experience, prompting scrutiny of platform priorities in the gaming industry.

ign.com · Oct 16

Remedy Boss Reacts After Control Resonant Sells 1 Million Copies, Becoming Studio’s…

Remedy Entertainment’s new title Control Resonant sold one million copies in just three weeks, surpassing Alan Wake 2 as the studio’s fastest‑selling game. The milestone was announced on October 15, with Remedy’s Twitter/X post thanking fans and Communications Director Thomas Puha noting a “strong start.” Despite early piracy after its September digital launch, the game achieved critical acclaim and physical editions are now available, promising further revenue. The rapid sales underscore Remedy’s resilience amid past financial concerns.

💡 The record‑breaking sales demonstrate that Remedy can still mobilize a dedicated fanbase to support its flagship IP, reinforcing its financial stability and proving the viability of niche, high‑quality titles in a market dominated by mass‑appeal releases.

appleinsider.com · Oct 16

‘Shogun 2 – Complete Edition’ release crashes and burns

Sega and Creative Assembly have pulled the Windows and Mac re-release of "Shogun 2 – Complete Edition" from Steam after users reported severe bugs and a poor gameplay experience. The original version has been reinstated while the developers investigate the causes of the widespread issues. Both companies publicly acknowledged the negative reception and the extensive technical problems that plagued the new build. The removal and rollback aim to prevent further player frustration and allow time for a comprehensive fix.

💡 The swift action underscores the importance of quality control in digital game releases, as even established titles can suffer from rushed updates that damage brand trust.